New Waterworks Zoutkamp gets underway!

Signing of cooperation agreement

Prior to this moment, the three administrators signed the cooperation agreement. Within this project, the three authorities are combining the implementation of the work in Zoutkamp and the surrounding area. In addition to water and traffic safety, the economy, livability, and ecology of Zoutkamp and the surrounding area will also be improved, and tourism will be stimulated. The work will be completed in 2025.

Construction of new pumping station and restoration of lock

The immediate reason for the work in Zoutkamp is the need to build a new pumping station near the Hunsingo lock. In order to mitigate the effects of climate change until 2050, greater drainage capacity is needed to be able to drain water more quickly when large amounts of water accumulate in a short period of time. Portfolio holder Eisse Luitjens indicates that this task offers the water board the opportunity to work on added value for Zoutkamp and the surrounding area, in addition to water safety. "By joining forces with the residents of Zoutkamp, the municipality, and the province, what was once a water safety task has become a heritage-inclusive area task." The current H.D. Louwes pumping station will be replaced by a new one called Gemaal Hunsingo. The name chosen by residents refers to the location of the new pumping station, which is where the Hunsingo Canal flows into Lauwersmeer. The electrically powered pumping station will have a capacity of 1600 m3/minute. The Hunsingo lock, a national monument, will also be restored and converted into a lock, including the high wooden lock gates. This will restore the old sea dyke's function as a regional flood barrier. In addition, facilities will be installed for fish, otters, pond bats, and birds, among others. And the bank protection on the north and south banks of the Hunsingo Canal will be replaced.  

Boosting livability, traffic safety, recreation, and tourism

In addition to the Hunsingo lock, the original Muralt revetment on the old sea dike is also part of the cultural-historical heritage. Restoration of this revetment is also included in this project. Furthermore, the development of recreation and tourism is important for the village. For example, the possibility of cyclists being able to cycle along the dike beside the Reitdiep from Zoutkamp to Electra in the future is being investigated. Recreational boaters can make use of the new mooring facilities in the Hunsingo Canal and in the Reitdiephaven. There will also be a landing place for canoeists and rowers at the jetty. Shell paths will be laid to create a good walking connection between the parking lot at the ice rink, the marina, and the village. Finally, the construction of a new pedestrian bridge will allow pedestrians to cross safely from Spuistraat to the pumping station and lock. This bridge will connect the village to the new cycle path along the provincial road. As alderman of the municipality of Het Hogeland, Stefan van Keijzerswaard is keen to put the village of Zoutkamp on the map for tourists: "A lot will be invested in and around Zoutkamp in the coming years, which we are delighted about. The approach to this project shows that cooperation between authorities and, in particular, with (representatives of) residents and other interested parties has great added value. This is precisely when great opportunities can be found and exploited to achieve something extra, in addition to doing what is necessary. In this project, we are improving road safety with a number of infrastructural changes and also ensuring a more pleasant living environment and a boost to recreation and tourism."

Together with the environment

In addition to the province, municipality, and water board, the residents of Zoutkamp are also important partners in the project. There is close contact with the Zoutkamp Village Interest Association and immediate neighbors, both during the development of the plans and in the coordination of the project's implementation. Daan Oostindiën, chairman of the Zoutkamp Village Interest Association, says that "the village really appreciates how everyone is being included in the plans. The residents of Zoutkamp appreciate the openness and transparency with which this is being done. People understand the interests of Zoutkamp. This gives us a shared ambition to make Zoutkamp attractive for residents and tourists alike."

About New Waterworks Zoutkamp

Under the name 'Nieuwe Waterwerken Zoutkamp' (New Waterworks Zoutkamp), the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is working with the province of Groningen and the municipality of Het Hogeland on plans to guarantee water safety and combine this with additional opportunities for Zoutkamp and the surrounding area. Improving traffic safety is part of the plans. Efforts are also being made to preserve cultural history and strengthen the liveability and economy of Zoutkamp. This means not only a new pumping station near the Hunsingosluis, but also the conversion of the historic Hunsingosluis in the former sea dyke into a lock. This will restore the old sea dyke's regional flood defence function. In addition, water and traffic safety will be improved, the tourist and recreational opportunities around Lauwersmeer will be expanded, and recreational boating towards Hogeland and the city of Groningen will be strengthened. The project is co-financed by the National Program Groningen, the Wadden Fund, the Heritage Deal, and the Land Subsidence Commission.

More information 

More information about the New Waterworks Zoutkamp project